Ramp component system

ABSTRACT

A ramp system is disclosed which may include first and second components. The first component may include horizontal and vertical portions, and a hook. The horizontal portion may be supported by a lip of a structure, and may have a width equivalent to a length of the lip. The vertical portion may be coupled with, and hang downward from, the horizontal portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The hook may be coupled with the vertical portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The second component may include a protrusion and channel. The protrusion may have a width equal or less than the width of the horizontal portion, and be supported by the hook. The channel may be coupled with the protrusion, and have the same width. The channel may receive a planar component which forms a sloped surface of a ramp.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 61/751,362 filed Jan. 11, 2013, entitled “Ramp Component System,”the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, forall purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to ramp systems. More specifically theinvention relates to modular ramp systems for accessing buildings,storage containers, vehicles, and/or other structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a ramp system is provided. The ramp system mayinclude a first component and a second component. The first componentmay include a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a first hook.The horizontal portion may be configured to be supported by a topportion of a lip of a structure, where the horizontal portion may have awidth equivalent to a length of the lip which supports the horizontalportion. The vertical portion may be coupled with an edge of thehorizontal portion and configured to hang downward from the horizontalportion along a side portion of the lip of the structure, where thevertical portion may have the same width as the horizontal portion. Thefirst hook may be coupled with the vertical portion, where the firsthook may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The secondcomponent may include a first protrusion and a first channel. The firstprotrusion may have a maximum width equal to or less than the width ofthe horizontal portion, where the first protrusion may be configured tobe supported by the first hook. The first channel may be coupled withthe first protrusion, where the first channel may have the same width asthe first protrusion. The first channel may be configured to receive afirst planar component which forms a sloped surface of a first ramp.

In another embodiment, a kit for providing a ramp is provided. The kitmay include a first component and a second component. The firstcomponent may include a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and afirst hook. The horizontal portion may be configured to be supported bya top portion of a lip of a structure, where the horizontal portion mayhave a width equivalent to a length of the lip which supports thehorizontal portion. The vertical portion may be coupled with an edge ofthe horizontal portion and configured to hang downward from thehorizontal portion along a side portion of the lip of the structure,where the vertical portion may have the same width as the horizontalportion. The first hook may be coupled with the vertical portion, wherethe first hook may have the same width as the horizontal portion. Thesecond component may include a first protrusion and a first channel. Thefirst protrusion may have a maximum width equal to or less than thewidth of the horizontal portion, where the first protrusion may beconfigured to be supported by the first hook. The first channel may becoupled with the first protrusion, where the first channel may have thesame width as the first protrusion. The first channel may be configuredto receive a first planar component which forms a sloped surface of afirst ramp.

In another embodiment, a method for providing a ramp to a lip of astructure is provided. The method may include coupling a first componentto the lip of the structure. The first component may include ahorizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a first hook. The horizontalportion may be configured to be supported by a top portion of a lip of astructure, where the horizontal portion may have a width equivalent to alength of the lip which supports the horizontal portion. The verticalportion may be coupled with an edge of the horizontal portion andconfigured to hang downward from the horizontal portion along a sideportion of the lip of the structure, where the vertical portion may havethe same width as the horizontal portion. The first hook may be coupledwith the vertical portion, where the first hook may have the same widthas the horizontal portion. The method may also include coupling a firstplanar component with a second component. The second component mayinclude a first protrusion and a first channel. The first protrusion mayhave a maximum width equal to or less than the width of the horizontalportion, where the first protrusion may be configured to be supported bythe first hook. The first channel may be coupled with the firstprotrusion, where the first channel may have the same width as the firstprotrusion. The first channel may be configured to receive a firstplanar component which forms a sloped surface of a first ramp. Themethod may further include depositing the first protrusion into thefirst hook.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in conjunction with the appendedfigures:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a ramp system embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the ramp system of FIG. 1 in a differentconfiguration;

FIG. 3A is a side view of another ramp system embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3B is a side view of another ramp system embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 4A-4D are side views of various first components as present invarying embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5C are cross sections of various second components as presentin varying embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B are cross sections of potential hooked portions of theprotrusions of second components present in some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention as attached to astructure for providing access thereto;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention where asingle ramp is present; and

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention wheretwo ramps are present.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame numerical reference label. Further, various components of the sametype may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letterthat distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If onlythe first numerical reference label is used in the specification, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components and/orfeatures having the same first numerical reference label irrespective ofthe letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of thedisclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodimentswill provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description forimplementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood thatvarious changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elementswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims. For example, any detail in one embodimentmay not be included in other versions of that embodiment, or may beadded to any other embodiment or modified version of the otherembodiment.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. For example, systems,processes, and other elements in the invention may be shown ascomponents in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodimentsin unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes,structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail inorder to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Embodiments discussed herein allow for a ramp or ramps to be affixed toa shed, storage container, building, vehicle (i.e., truck beds,trailers, recreational vehicles, etc.), towable storage, or otherdevice/structure (hereinafter, collectively, “structure”). Systems,kits, and methods are provided by various embodiments of the inventionthat will become apparent to those of skill in the art after reading thepresent disclosure. Turning now to FIG. 1, a ramp system 100 embodimentis shown. The ramp system may include a first component 110 and a secondcomponent 120.

First component 110 may include a horizontal portion 112, a verticalportion 114, and a first hook 116. Horizontal portion 112 may beconfigured to be supported by a top portion of a lip 130 of a structure132. Horizontal portion 112 may have a width equivalent to a length oflip 130 which supports horizontal portion 112 (i.e., approximately thewidth of the doorway or less). In some embodiments, horizontal portion112 may include anti-slip features 113. In some embodiments horizontalportion 112 may consist of, or constitute, sill nosing. First component110 may couple with lip 130 in any number of possible ways, includingfasteners (i.e., screws, nails, etc.), adhesives (i.e., glue), and/orribs which bite into lip 130. Such coupling mechanisms may be employedanywhere along the interface of first component 110 with lip 130.

Vertical portion 114 may be coupled with an edge of horizontal portion112 and may be configured to hang downward from horizontal portion 112along a side portion of lip 130 of structure 132. Vertical portion 114may have the same width as horizontal portion. 112 (i.e., approximatelythe width of the doorway or less). First hook 116 may be coupled withvertical portion 114, and may have the same width as the horizontalportion 112 (i.e., approximately the width of the doorway or less). Insome embodiments, first hook 116 may have a width less than that of thehorizontal portion 112.

Second component 120 may include a first protrusion 122 and a firstchannel 124. First protrusion 122 may have a maximum width equal to orless than the width of the horizontal portion 112 (i.e., approximatelythe width of the doorway or less). First protrusion 122 may beconfigured to be supported by first hook 116. This allows for the ramp,depending on the length of the ramp, the range of motion permitted bythe knuckle/hook, as well as surrounding terrain, to extend away fromthe structure at variable angle. This can allow for the ramp angle tovary as the building and ramp settle into the supporting surface (i.e.the ground) at a different rate.

First channel 124 may be coupled with first protrusion 122, where firstchannel 124 may have the same width as first protrusion 122 (i.e., equalto or less than the width of the horizontal portion 112 (i.e.,approximately the width of the doorway or less)). First channel 124 maybe configured to receive a first planar component 140 which forms asloped surface of a first ramp. In some embodiments, the top exterior offirst channel 124 may include anti-slip features 126. Second component120 may couple with lip first planar component 140 in any number ofpossible ways, including fasteners (i.e., screws, nails, etc.),adhesives (i.e., glue), and/or ribs which bite into first planarcomponent 140. Such coupling mechanisms may be employed anywhere alongthe interface of second component 120 with first planar component 140.

In some embodiments, a second hook 118 maybe coupled with verticalportion 114, wherein second hook 118 may have the same width ashorizontal portion 110, and is also configured to support firstprotrusion 122. FIG. 2 shows second hook 118 supporting first protrusion122. In some embodiments, second hook 118 may have a width less thanthat of the horizontal portion 112.

While in FIGS. 1 and 2 hooks 116, 118 are shown as being round, andfirst protrusion 122 is also round and at least partially congruent withhooks 116, 118, other shapes for hooks 116, 188 and first protrusion 122are also possible. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show other potentialconfigurations. System 300 shows an angled protrusion 310, while system301 shows a straight protrusion 311 and angled hooks 312, 313. Also notethat (a) protrusion 310 is located at the opposite corner of channel 320than channels 124, 321, and that (b) the first component may not have ahorizontal portion, instead coupling directly to the side of the lip, asshown in FIG. 3B. In these or other embodiments, the second componentmay also not include a channel, but instead couple to one side or edgeof the planar component. For example, the second component may couple tothe bottom of the planar component, the end/edge of the planarcomponent, and/or the top of planar component. These variations may bepossible in any embodiment discussed herein.

FIGS. 4A-4D show variations 401, 402, 403, 404 of first component 110which include only a first hook 116, and not a second hook 118. In yetother embodiments, a first component may have three or more hooks toallow the ramp to be provided at a number of possible elevations.

FIGS. 5A-5C show variations 501, 502, 503 of second component 120 whichhave differing channel widths (501 versus 503), and/or different lengthsof channel walls (501, 503 versus 502).

FIGS. 6A-6B show protrusions 601, 602 which have a hooked portion 603,604 which assist in resisting movement of second component 605, 606 fromhook 607, 608. This detail may be present in various embodiments of theinvention to assist in preventing accidental or unintentional removal ofthe ramp from the structure. If second component 605, 606 is rotated toofar downward, or pulled away from hook 607, 608, hooked portion 603, 604may engage the tip of hook 607, 608, thereby discouraging disengagementof the ramp. Hooks 607, 608 may also have bulbous ends, as shown, to atleast partially assist in preventing removal of the ramp from thestructure.

FIG. 7 shows one example 700 of why multiple hooks 701, 702 may bepresent in some embodiments. When door 705 is closed, having ramp 710engaged in hook 701 may not be possible because of the overhang of door705. When door 705 is to be opened or closed, ramp 710 may therefore beengaged in hook 702. While door 705 is open, and access to the structuredesired, ramp 710 may be engaged in hook 701 to bring the top of ramp710 in closer proximity to the level of floor 715. Thus, hook 701provides for easy access to the structure, while hook 702 provides forstorage of the ramp in the meantime, as well as ramped access whenheight of the ramp compared to the level of floor 715 is not critical(i.e., when a dolly or other loading device is not being employed).

FIG. 8A shows one embodiment 800 where a single ramp 801 is employed. Inthis embodiment, single ramp 801 provides access to the structure. Thewidth (‘W₁’) of single ramp 801 may be approximately equal to or lessthan the width of a corresponding door or other egress from thestructure. FIG. 8B shows an alternative embodiment 810 where two ramps811 are employed. In this embodiment, the width (‘W₂’) of each ramp 811may be less than the width of a corresponding door or other egress fromthe structure. Additionally, two second components 820 may be necessaryin this embodiment (one for each ramp 811), but only one first component830 may be used. In other embodiments, multiple separate smaller firstcomponents 830 may be used, one at each ramp connection. Embodimentssimilar to 810 may allow a means of providing vehicle ramps, wherewheels may roll up-and-down ramps 811.

The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes ofclarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ramp system, wherein the ramp system comprises:a first component, wherein the first component comprises: a horizontalportion configured to be supported by a top portion of a lip of astructure, wherein the horizontal portion has a width equivalent to alength of the lip which supports the horizontal portion; a verticalportion coupled with an edge of the horizontal portion and configured tohang downward from the horizontal portion along a side portion of thelip of the structure, wherein the vertical portion has the same width asthe horizontal portion; and a first hook coupled with the verticalportion, wherein the first hook has the same width as the horizontalportion; and a second component, wherein the second component comprises:a first protrusion having a maximum width equal to or less than thewidth of the horizontal portion, wherein the first protrusion isconfigured to be supported by the first hook; and a first channelcoupled with the protrusion, wherein the first channel has the samewidth as the first protrusion, and is configured to receive a firstplanar component which forms a sloped surface of a first ramp.
 2. Theramp system of claim 1, wherein the first component further comprises: asecond hook coupled with the vertical portion, wherein the second hookhas the same width as the horizontal portion, and is configured tosupport the first protrusion.
 3. The ramp system of claim 1, wherein:the first hook is rounded on an interior portion.
 4. The ramp system ofclaim 3, wherein the protrusion comprises: a rounded portion at leastpartially congruent with the interior portion of the first hook.
 5. Theramp system of claim 1, wherein: the first protrusion has a width lessthan the width of the horizontal portion; and the ramp system furthercomprises: a third component, wherein the third component comprises: asecond protrusion having a maximum width less than the width of thehorizontal portion, wherein the second protrusion is configured to besupported by the first hook; and a second channel coupled with thesecond protrusion, wherein the second channel has the same width as thesecond protrusion, and is configured to receive a second planarcomponent which forms a sloped surface of a second ramp.
 6. The rampsystem of claim 5, wherein the ramp system further comprises: the firstplanar component; and the second planar component.
 7. The ramp system ofclaim 1, wherein the first protrusion comprises: a hooked portionconfigured to engage a tip of the first hook if the second component isrotated downward.
 8. The ramp system of claim 1, wherein: the verticalportion ends at the first hook.
 9. The ramp system of claim 1, wherein:the vertical portion extends above and below the first hook.
 10. Theramp system of claim 1, wherein: the horizontal portion comprisesanti-slip features on a top surface of the horizontal portion.
 11. Theramp system of claim 1, wherein the first channel comprises: a bottomportion; a first side portion; and a second side portion.
 12. The rampsystem of claim 11, wherein: the second side portion is equal in lengthto the first side portion.
 13. The ramp system of claim 11, wherein: thesecond side portion is longer in length than the first side portion. 14.The ramp system of claim 11, wherein the first side portion comprises:anti-slip features on an outer surface.
 15. The ramp system of claim 14,wherein: the first protrusion is located exterior to an intersection ofthe bottom portion and the second side portion; the first protrusion isdistal to the first side portion; and the first protrusion is proximateto the second side portion.
 16. The ramp system of claim 1, wherein theramp system further comprises: the first planar component.
 17. A kit forproviding a ramp, wherein the kit comprises: a first component, whereinthe first component comprises: a horizontal portion configured to besupported by a top portion of a lip of a structure, wherein thehorizontal portion has a width equivalent to a length of the lip whichsupports the horizontal portion; a vertical portion coupled with an edgeof the horizontal portion and configured to hang downward from thehorizontal portion along a side portion of the lip of the structure,wherein the vertical portion has the same width as the horizontalportion; and a first hook coupled with the vertical portion, wherein thefirst hook has the same width as the horizontal portion; and a secondcomponent, wherein the second component comprises: a first protrusionhaving a maximum width equal to or less than the width of the horizontalportion, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be supported bythe first hook; and a first channel coupled with the protrusion, whereinthe first channel has the same width as the first protrusion, and isconfigured to receive a first planar component which forms a slopedsurface of a first ramp.
 18. The kit for providing a ramp of claim 17,wherein: the first protrusion has a width less than the width of thehorizontal portion; and the kit for providing the ramp furthercomprises: a third component, wherein the third component comprises: asecond protrusion having a maximum width less than the width of thehorizontal portion, wherein the second protrusion is configured to besupported by the first hook; and a second channel coupled with thesecond protrusion, wherein the second channel has the same width as thesecond protrusion, and is configured to receive a second planarcomponent which forms a sloped surface of a second ramp.
 19. The kit forproviding a ramp of claim 17, wherein the kit further comprises: thefirst planar component.
 20. A method for providing a ramp to a lip of astructure, wherein the method comprises: coupling a first component tothe lip of the structure, wherein the first component comprises: ahorizontal portion configured to be supported by a top portion of thelip of the structure, wherein the horizontal portion has a widthequivalent to a length of the lip which supports the horizontal portion;a vertical portion coupled with an edge of the horizontal portion andconfigured to hang downward from the horizontal portion along a sideportion of the lip of the structure, wherein the vertical portion hasthe same width as the horizontal portion; and a first hook coupled withthe vertical portion, wherein the first hook has the same width as thehorizontal portion; coupling a first planar component with a secondcomponent, wherein the second component comprises: a first protrusionhaving a maximum width equal to or less than the width of the horizontalportion, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be supported bythe first hook; and a first channel coupled with the protrusion, whereinthe first channel has the same width as the first protrusion, and isconfigured to receive the first planar component which forms a slopedsurface of a first ramp; and depositing the first protrusion into thefirst hook.